Central Arkansas vs. Hawai’i: Game Preview, TV, Livestream, Odds, Predictions
Warriors are looking to remain undefeated at home.
Contact/Follow @MWCwire
Can the ‘Bows bounce back against an undefeated UCA Bears team?
WEEK 4: Central Arkansas Bears (3-0) vs. Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors (2-1)
WHEN: 6:00 PM HT/10:00 PM MT
WHERE: Aloha Stadium; Honolulu, Hawai’i
TV: Spectrum PPV (only in Hawaii)
STREAMING: Facebook
ODDS: Hawai’i -14
ESPN FPI PROJECTION: Hawaii win probability of 91.6%
LAST MEETING: 2009, where Hawai’i came from behind to win 25-20.
The most disappointing part of last week’s loss to Washington was that the offense did not start fast and had too many turnovers that put the game way out of reach early. Now, the Rainbow Warriors will need to bounce back and in a hurry as the UCA Bears come to town during homecoming week. This will be the second ever meeting between these two programs.
The ‘Bows will have to put their trust again in quarterback Cole McDonald to have a stellar game by moving the ball down the field and not turning the ball over. Hawai’i is very fortunate to have two wins so far when their turnover margin is tied for dead last in the FBS at -9.
Knowing the Bears
Having already beaten a FBS team this year in Western Kentucky, the Bears feel confident coming into Honolulu to take down the home team and starting 4-0 for the first time since 2008.
They are led by sophomore quarterback Breylin Smith, who threw for 367 yards with two touchdowns and a pick last week. His favorite target is sophomore wide receiver Lujuan Winningham, who caught six passes for 119 yards and a touchdown. Running back Carlo Blackman can do it all, too, and will test Hawai’i defense very quickly if he can sneak through the tackles and catch the ball on screens or slants.
The swarming Bears defense was inspiring to head coach Nathan Brown whose team came back to defeat Abilene Christian University, 31-30.
Keys to Hawaii’s victory
This might sound like a broken record, but the ‘Bows need to start fast and score early on offense. Even if UH’s defense gives up some scores, the offense needs to match it.
We all saw flashes in the three games Cole McDonald played where he was in command of the offense and threw dimes to receivers Cedric Byrd and JoJo Ward. If he can do all of that for 60 minutes, without forcing passes and turning the ball over, then Hawai’i will have a lopsided victory over Central Arkansas.
Running back Miles Reed emerged last week taking over Dayton Furuta who had ankle surgery and will be out for several weeks. Reed and Fred Holly II will have to give protection for McDonald to have time and, at the same time, be ready for some carries and possibly the reinstated shovel pass.
Prediction
Hawai’i 42, Central Arkansas 31
